‘I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine, and to all the people that have died, and the people that are fighting right now.’ - Marta Kostuk
Kostyuk final win sees post match first with no handshake and separate trophy photoshoots in Ukraine-Russia final at ATX Open Austin
ATPMonday, 06 March 2023 at 12:30
The WTA Final in Austin was an interesting one as Ukranian Kostyuk defeated Russian Gracheva in the final and we had a unique protocol in place for it.
The players didn't shake hands after the match, there wasn't a combined photoshoot, they didn't address each other at the ceremony, and it was all a bit tense. There is a clear reason why and it's a bit more than just the Ukraine - Russia conflict. Kostyuk has been one of the most outspoken players from the Ukrainian side calling for draconian punishments against Russian players.
She doesn't have many fans from that side of the locker room and Gracheva certainly isn't one of them either. Kostyuk doesn't mind she firmly stands behind her words but the organizers were forced to work around those chilly attitudes. It was handled well by the organizers and went smoothly despite the tension.
It was a maiden title by Kostyuk who dedicated it to her county:
I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine, and to all the people that have died, and the people that are fighting right now."
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